Gone but Never Forgotten
Here are 10 facts about Derek Underwood, the legendary English cricketer:
- Early Life: Derek Leslie Underwood was born on June 8, 1945, in Bromley, Kent, England.
- Left-Arm Spinner: Underwood was a left-arm spinner, known for his ability to extract considerable turn and bounce from pitches, especially on wearing surfaces.
- Nickname: He was often referred to as "Deadly Derek" due to his lethal bowling skills and ability to trouble even the most accomplished batsmen.
- County Career: Underwood spent his entire county cricket career with Kent County Cricket Club, representing the team from 1963 to 1987.
- Test Debut: He made his Test debut for England against Australia at Old Trafford in 1966 and went on to play 86 Test matches for his country.
- 1972 Ashes Heroics: Underwood's memorable performance in the third Test of the 1972 Ashes series against Australia at Headingley, where he took 10 wickets for 82 runs in the second innings, is considered one of his finest moments in cricket.
- Variety of Deliveries: Underwood was known for his mastery of various bowling deliveries, including the arm ball, top-spinner, and slider, which made him a challenging proposition for batsmen.
- Spin Twin with John Emburey: In the latter part of his Test career, Underwood formed a formidable spin partnership with off-spinner John Emburey, providing England with a potent spin attack.
- Retirement: Underwood retired from international cricket in 1982 after playing 86 Tests and 26 ODIs for England. He continued to play county cricket until 1987.
- Post-Retirement Career: Following his retirement from playing cricket, Underwood remained involved in the sport as a coach, administrator, and commentator. He was also awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1981 for his services to cricket.
These facts highlight Derek Underwood's remarkable career and his lasting impact on English cricket.